Pesticides application is a common practice in the agricultural sector due to its effectiveness in pest control. Given the intended use of pesticides, various forms of exposure have adverse effects on human health. Pesticide exposure has been linked to several neurological defects including impaired memory and visual capabilities, reduced cognitive coordination and response, as well as uncontrolled mood and behavioral changes (Hernández et al., 2013). Other than these, pesticide exposure may result in respiratory problems, hormonal fluctuations, hypersensitivity, allergies, and even cancer. The World Health Organization has shown that pesticide poising is responsible for over 200,000 deaths annually in developing countries. Therefore, it necessitated the setting up of control measures aimed at reducing the number of pesticides applied. This limited exposure and eliminated residues in edible farm produce and water sources. During accidental pesticide poisoning, first aid procedures should be done promptly to avoid adverse health outcomes. The procedures should depend on the level of poisoning, either acute or chronic, as well as the symptoms being manifested (García-García et al., 2016). However, medical help should be sought as soon as possible in all cases. Pesticide poising among non-farmers mostly occurs due to ingestion. As a result, policies have been put in place to minimize the possibility of ingestion of pesticides. The Food Quality Protection Act ensures that the pesticides used on food meet stipulated safety standards. Furthermore, certain pesticides including carbofuran, acephate, and methomyl have been banned from being used in consumable farm produce because of their effects on infants and young children (García-García et al., 2016). In addition to policy-based measures, pesticide application has been streamlined to ensure the safety of farmers, reduce environmental deposits and minimize residues in edible produce (Ntzani et al., 2013). Farmer training, provision of safety wear, pest-specific pesticide application, protection of water sources from residues as well as proper food cleaning procedures before entry into the market and before processing have ensured that this is achieved.
References
García-García C. R. et al. (2016). Occupational pesticide exposure and adverse health effects at the clinical, hematological and biochemical level. Life Sciences, 145 , 274-283
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Hernández A. F. et al. (2013). Toxic effects of pesticide mixtures at a molecular level: Their relevance to human health. Toxicology, 307 , 136-145
Ntzani, E. E. et al. (2013). Literature review on epidemiological studies linking exposure to pesticides and health effects. European Food Safety Authority, 10 (10), 497E
